Jerry Rice shared a story about his work ethic -- and it's no wonder he's the GOAT

NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice stopped by AOL HQ to hang out this week, and the legend discussed his storied career, training camp fights, Peyton and Eli Manning and much more.

The most intriguing anecdote, though, had to be about how he got his work ethic, a long story that includes him chasing after horses and catching bricks in place of footballs. It sounds like something out of 'Rocky', really.

"I wouldn't say that," Rice said with a smile. "But there were horses you had to catch and sometimes it would take 45 minutes to an hour to run 'em down and during the summer my father would take me to work with him. He was a brick mason. My brother and I, we had developed this technique where you throw the bricks up, they were separated, and I was snatching them in the air. So, the myth about me learning to catch footballs from catching bricks, that's where it came from."

Rice finished his storied career as the all-time leader in most major statistical categories for wide receivers -- including receptions, touchdown receptions, and yards. He also was selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times and named All-Pro 12 times in his 20 NFL seasons. He won three Super Bowl rings playing for the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite those accolades, he refuses to admit that he's the best of all time.

"I wouldn't say that I'm the best, but to be compared to Jim Brown and be put in that league, that's something that's very unique, but you'll never hear me say 'I'm the greatest.'"

JERRY RICE THROUGH THE YEARS:

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Jerry Rice shared a story about his work ethic -- and it's no wonder he's the GOAT